Lee Radford is eager for his troops to focus on the areas of the game where Hull FC can expose Leeds Rhinos tomorrow evening rather than the emotional attachment to players’ final matches.

Hull’s Gareth Ellis and Leeds’ Rob Burrow are retiring at the end of the season, while Mahe Fonua and Danny McGuire are leaving their respective clubs, meaning all four are potentially playing their final matches for their teams in the Super League semi-final between the sides.

Radford, however, believes execution and not emotion will be everything at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium and he is expecting a focused approach from his squad.

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One week after producing an outstanding performance to defeat Castleford Tigers and make the play-offs, Radford wants the same again at a Leeds side who FC beat in the Challenge Cup semis in July as well.

“There are some keep-doings from the last two times we have played them and there are some areas we need to work on,” Radford told the Mail. “It will in the end, however, come down to execution and in that department we need to try and replicate what we did at Castleford. In the tough conditions we completed and we must make sure we are at that same level against Leeds.

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“We have tried to keep things low key with Gaz (regarding the potential of his last game) because the more you think about that and the more hyped up you get, the more impact it has on your performance.

Hull FC captain Gareth Ellis leads the team out at the KCOM Stadium for the last time

“That can sometimes be a negative thing as well because it can tip you over the edge. I’m sure Leeds will want a big match to send-off their guys in their final matches at Headingley but we want a strong finish to the season and a Grand Final appearance too.”

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Whilst Hull are many pundits’ favourites to make Old Trafford for the first time in 11 years and win at Headingley after a 10-year wait, Radford is quick to point out the threats at the Rhinos’ disposal.

Hooker Matt Parcell was the lone Leeds player selected in the Dream Team earlier this week and Radford admits ruck control will be key to halting his impact on the contest.

“Leeds have some real threats out of dummy-half whether it’s Parcell or Burrow jumping in there,” Radford added.

“They are a tidy team from the play of the ball so if you allow them to have that one ruck win it’s batten down the hatches.